Johannesburg

They came from far and wide to strike it rich in Johannesburg when gold was discovered in 1886. The ‘City of Gold’ (eGoli) still pulsates with the entrepreneurial energy, power and oodles of money so its little wonder the place is somewhat frantic. The city is a vibrant melting pot of humanity that ensures you won’t walk alone when exploring the city’s many cultural and leisure attractions. The City of Gold welcomes you.

Getting There & Getting Around

Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the busiest airport in Africa and it the main access hub linking South Africa and the rest of the world. There are also links to most other parts of South Africa from the main airport. Johannesburg has a second airport, Lanseria, which is used for commercial flights for some domestic routes.

There is also a series of freeways linking Johanneburg to other parts of the country. Within the city, your best option to get round is to use pre-booked taxis.

Weather

The city enjoys a dry, sunny climate, with the exception of occasional late afternoon downpours in the summer months of October to April. Temperatures in Johannesburg are usually fairly mild due to the city's high altitude, with the average maximum daytime temperature in January of 26 °C (79 °F), dropping to an average maximum of around 16 °C (61 °F) in June. Winter is the sunniest time of the year, with cool days and cold nights. The temperature occasionally drops to below freezing at night, causing frost. The average daily temperatures in Celcius:

Places of Interest

Of most interest to the history buff are Newtown, Constitution Hill and Soweto. Mary Fitzgerald Square is also worth a visit in the CBD which includes Museum Africa, the Bensusan Museum of Photography and the Market Theatre in the restored Fresh Produce Market building, as well as the Workers Museum in the revamped Electricity Department Compound and art galleries, craft shops and restaurants.

For contemporary African sounds, try the Bassline in Newtown or head out to one of the funky jazz joints in Soweto. The thriving local music scene caters for all musical tastes. Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, Johannesburg is also the wealthiest and most entertaining city in South Africa’ Gauteng province.